Re-advertisement: Social Policy Specialist, NO-3, Fixed-Term Appointment, Windhoek, Namibia, #131204 (For Namibia Nationals only)

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

Candidates who have already applied do not need to submit another application, as their existing submission is currently under review.

For every child, an advocate...

The UNICEF Namibia Country Office (NCO) Programme 2025-2029 aims to support the Government to meet its commitments to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights, in line with the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the 2024 recommendations from the Committee on the Rights of the Child. It is aligned with the Government’s priorities, as identified in the National Development Plans (NDP5 and NDP 6 White Paper), Harambee Prosperity Plan II (2021-2025), and Namibia Vision 2030, as well as with the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2022– 2025 and is derived from the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025-2029. The 2025-2029 Country Programme results for children contribute to four strategic priorities areas of the UNSDCF, namely: 1. Effective Governance & Public Service Delivery, 2. Economic Recovery, Transformation & Resilience, 3. Sustainable Development & Green Growth Opportunities, and 4. Human Development & Community Resilience.

How can you make a difference

The strategic and effective advocacy, planning and formulation of social policy programs/projects and the achievement of sustainable results, contributes to achievement of goals and objectives to create a protective environment for children and thus ensure their survival, development, and wellbeing in society. Achievements in social policy programs and projects in turn contribute to maintaining/enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide program services for mothers and children that promotes greater social equality in the country.

Purpose for the job:

Under the general guidance of the Deputy Representative, the Social Policy Specialist will support programmes aimed at improving (a) public policies to reduce child poverty; (b) social protection coverage and impact on children; (c) the transparency, adequacy, equity and efficiency of child-focused public investments and financial management; and (d) governance, decentralization and accountability measures to increase public participation and the quality, equity and coverage of social services. This encompasses both direct programme work with government and civil society partners as well as linkages and support to teams working on other thematic areas including education, health, nutrition, ECD, child protection, water and sanitation, adolescent participation, HIV, communication and advocacy, SBC and PME. 

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Improving data on child poverty & vulnerability for increased use for policy and programme action

2. Strengthening social protection coverage and impact for children

3. Improving use of public financial resources for children

4. Strengthening capacity of local governments to plan, budget, consult on and monitor child-focused social services.

5. Strengthened advocacy and partnerships for child-sensitive social policy

6. UNICEF Programme Management

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  131204 (NAM25001) Social Policy Specialist NO-3 Namibia.pdf 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or